CALDWELL, Idaho - The College of Idaho women's basketball team erased years of frustration in dramatic fashion, snapping a seven-game losing streak to Bushnell with a commanding 67-43 victory at the J.A. Albertsons Activities Center. A relentless defensive effort and a standout performance from Taryn Riley turned what began as a close contest into a statement win for the Yotes.
The Yotes set the tone early, winning the first quarter 18-13, thanks to aggressive defense and transition offense. Bushnell kept the game competitive in the second quarter, but the Yotes extended their lead to 31-23 at halftime.
The turning point came in the third quarter, where the Yotes exploded for a 19-7 run. Riley's sharp shooting and disruptive defense ignited the crowd as Bushnell struggled, shooting just 10.5% from the field in the frame. College of Idaho closed the game with a strong 17-13 fourth quarter, sealing their largest lead of 26 points late in the game.
Riley was the star of the night, finishing with 13 points on an efficient 5-for-7 shooting while adding four steals and two assists. Her composure under pressure and ability to disrupt Bushnell's offense set the tone for the Yotes. Supporting Riley was Lainee Houillon, whose perfect 5-for-5 shooting off the bench contributed 10 points. Mia Austin added 11 points and three rebounds, showcasing her scoring versatility.
For Bushnell, Mathis was the standout, contributing nine points and six rebounds. Despite her efforts, the Beacons struggled to find rhythm, particularly in the second half.
The Yotes' defense suffocated Bushnell, holding them to 26.2% shooting from the field and 19% from three-point range. College of Idaho, in contrast, shot a solid 45.2%, including 33.3% from beyond the arc. Turnovers were a crucial factor, as the Yotes forced 14 turnovers and converted them into 16 points, compared to just 11 points off turnovers for Bushnell. While the Beacons had more second-chance points (15-3), the Yotes dominated the paint, outscoring their opponents 30-18 inside.
The Yotes will travel next weekend to Kirland Wash. to face Northwest Univ. at 6:30pm MT on January 10th as they look to continue their hot streak.
